Book Review: Exrated by Stevie J Cole

Tyler Westbrook, better known as Johnny Depth, is taking the adult film industry by storm. With his playboy looks, it’s no surprise a few coworkers have attempted to take things off set and into the bedroom, but Tyler refuses to blur the lines between work and play…until the new assistant to the director walks in.

Jemma Morgan was recently fired from a lead role on a kid’s TV show that was supposed to be her big break. Unable to get another acting gig, she's accepted a job in an industry she never expected to be a part of. Although she anticipates being shocked her first few days on set, nothing could prepare her for the moment she's asked to hold the reflector as her ex-boyfriend plows through a woman like a Kansas cornfield.

In a world of butt-plugs, lube, and fake moans, is there a place for a second chance? Exes and some serious ohs…the term ex-rated just took on a whole new meaning.

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

My Review

I requested this book because of the blurb, but I kept reading because of the writing. This is my first book by Stevie J Cole, so I didn’t have any expectations going into in it. I just knew that I was curious about what happens when you stumble upon your ex at a porn shoot.

Can you say awkward?

Let me start by saying that I think the author’s writing is fantastic. I enjoyed the book, even though I had a couple of problems with the actions of the characters (I’ll get to that part in a minute).

Jemma is an out-of-work actress, having been fired from her children’s TV show over a leaked sex tape (privately made, of course). Tyler is a college drop-out and former stripper who finds himself making loads of cash in porn. Jemma and Tyler grew up together and thought they had a love that would last forever. In reality, their relationship didn’t make it past high school. Now it is several years later and fate has brought them together again. After a chance run-in and a steamy night of passion, Jemma and Tyler realize that their love is still there, but life has made them into totally different people than they were as kids.

Jemma is struggling financially and finally scores a job as a PA to a porn director. Her first day on set brings her face to face with Tyler as he is about to ‘perform’. Like I said…it’s awkward. Truthfully, I didn’t have a problem with Tyler working in the porn industry. I mean, he’s a grown adult and to each their own. However, I did have a problem with Jemma holding it over Tyler’s head for almost the entire book, using that as the reason she couldn’t give him another chance. It all felt very hypocritical on her part (I mean, she had a very public sex tape!) and the constant back and forth between them dragged on a little too long. I will say that Tyler’s persistence to win Jemma back did score some redeeming points with me.

As I said before, what also saved this book from a lower rating is the writing. I was definitely impressed by it and the story was told in such a way that I became totally absorbed while the pages flew by. I think I forgave some of the iffy plot points because of the way they were written. All I know is that this book was entertaining if nothing else, and I will definitely be reading more work from this author based on the writing alone.

About Stevie J Cole

Stevie J. Cole is a secret rock star. Sex, drugs and, oh wait, no, just sex. She’s a whore for a British accent and has an unhealthy obsession with Russell Brand. She and LP Lovell plan to elope in Vegas and breed the world’s most epic child.